HC Deb 20 June 1910 vol 18 cc5-6
Mr. RAMSAY MACDONALD

asked whether, in fulfilment of the pledge given by Lord Crewe after the decision of the special court at Greytown, the Colonial Office has been consulted by the Natal Government regarding Dinizulu's place of exile; whether it agreed that the Northern Transvaal was a just or otherwise proper selection; and whether it is proposed to lay Papers showing the negotiations that have taken place between the Home and Colonial Governments on the subject?

Colonel SEELY

It is not quite clear to what my hon. Friend refers as the pledge of the Secretary of State. I assume, however, that he refers to the telegram published on page 49 in Cd. 4585, in which confidence was expressed that suitable provision would be made for Dinizulu after he had served his sentence. I am glad to be able to inform the House that the Governor-General has informed us that on the day when Union was proclaimed the new Ministry authorised the immediate release of Dinizulu, the payment to him of £500 a year during good behaviour, and the provision for him of a residence on a farm in the Transvaal. Steps are being taken at the instance of the Prime Minister of the Union for collecting information respecting all available farms belonging to or under the control of Government, and when the information is complete the selection of the most suitable farm will be made by the Prime Minister himself. It is not proposed to lay Papers on the subject.